Draw a large open number four on a piece of paper. Make a copy for each child. Let each preschooler choose four different colors of crayons or markers and count them as they lay the colors next to their number four picture. Repeat the words "number four" and "you have four crayons (markers) to make your picture very pretty." Let the children color their number four picture as they wish. Older preschoolers can also write the number four around the outside edge of the picture.
Let preschoolers experience textures, use their small motor skills by cutting with scissors and count different sequences. Provide a strip of construction paper for each child. Let the children choose four feathers and four paper feather shapes. Talk about how the feathers feel compared to the paper. Have the children cut slits around the edges of the four paper feathers to make them look more like the real (or craft) feathers. Have the children place their feathers in any pattern they choose along the headband strip, such as a two feathers, two paper feathers pattern or all four feathers then all four paper feathers. Have the children tear strips of clear tape from a sturdy tape dispenser and tape their feathers onto their headbands. Fit the headbands around the children's heads and tape the seam.
Show the preschoolers several paper cutouts or objects that are squares. Have the children count the four sides. Give each child four craft sticks. Have them form a square with the sticks. Tape or glue the square together for each child. Let the children choose four chenille stems and four more craft sticks. Help children wrap an end of each stem around the bottom stick of the square. Wrap the loose end of each stem around the center of a craft stick to hang down from the square. Twist a loop of chenille stem around the top center stick for a hanger. Hang the "fours" mobiles around the room.
Provide coloring pictures for each child. Have the preschoolers paint at least one picture with watercolor or tempera paints. When the pictures are dry, have children use scissors to cut their picture into four pieces to make a puzzle. They may cut strips or squares, as they wish. Each child may enjoy making more than one puzzle and cutting each a little differently. Place each puzzle into a bag or envelope. Have children write the number four onto the outside of each bag or envelope.